Elizabeth Charlotte JoelsonGraphic Designer/Co-Creator at Hussy Guts

Elizabeth Charlotte Joelson

Graphic Designer/Co-Creator at Hussy Guts

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I spend my waking hours at my computer using fancy programs to execute the creative ideas that are floating around in my head.

Simply, I am a graphic designer and illustrator. I spend my waking hours at my computer using fancy programs to execute the creative ideas that are floating around in my head. Sometimes my designs are functional, like posters and signs that tell you to wash your hands. Other times my designs are kitschy and completely decorative, like sexy monsters that I put on pins to deck out my jackets.

WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

From my teen years I could draw pretty well, although I wasn't strikingly impressive. I love art, therefor I studied Art History. But that was a lost cause so I wandered around aimlessly trying to find a way to be creative but still practical. I studied abroad for Exhibition Design, met a bunch a graphic designers, they were awesome, I identified with them, so I gave it a shot for myself. Post graduating from undergrad, I took a certificate course and learn all these "practical" skills. Started with some boring corporate jobs, wanted to kill myself, so I dabbled in short-term projects and found myself being a freelance graphic designer. And to supplement my creative "demons" I teamed up with a good friend and we created Hussy Guts... "two freaky girls making freaky things"

FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?

They lack speed and clear communication of needs. Sometimes, people need things fast, I can work fast. Other times people need a lot, I have formulated a standard check list that I have engraved in my brain that I ask people before I start a project, this ensures a seamless and happy outcome (to the best of my ability... hopefully).

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

I am currently working for a giant Yoga Studio designing for their events and factuality needs. I also work with a make up blogger and some bands. And I am always working on Hussy Guts.

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?

I really passionately love the 60s and 70s. If it applies to a project, I use design form this age as inspiration. I also really love pin-ups and monsters/horror films. Sometimes it's difficult to represent this in my professional career, and that is exactly why I made Hussy Guts! www.instagram.com/hussyguts

WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?

I would really love to focus more on animation. I really think it would take my work to the next level. Bucket List 2016.

WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?

Printing. Printing is a burden! Made that's because half of my life is digital. But finding a good printer is hard, finding a fast (immediate, I am needy/ last minute sometimes) printer is hard. But, what I have found is that printers are very nice! Like, exceptionally nice. There is always a bright side, right?

IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?

Honestly, I would just love sometimes to bounce ideas back with. It's really nice to have sometime that has a good eye and is just as creative as you are. It seems silly to pay someone to do that, but I think my day would be a lot more interesting and satisfying if I had someone to push my ideas further. I am lucky that I have that with Hussy Guts, but professionally, I am all alone. It would also be nice to have someone spend time with my cat when I can't... but $20 is steep.

LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?

I would have told my 18 year old self that Graphic Design was my calling. I wish I had gotten started sooner!

IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?

Grad school, is it worth it? Big design companies, pros and cons? Freelance is nice, but I still feel a little something missing.

WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

I love branding projects, helping someone bring their ideas that are floating in their head into fruition.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?

I would love to work for a hospitality company. I want to be part of helping create an experience for someone. Every little detail, they are all equally important. I would also love to work with a music company, just sometime I have always deeply identified with and it would be amazing to help someone or something that is a different type of creative.

WHAT IS YOUR RATE?

My hourly rate is $30/hr. My desired salary is $52,000 - $60,000.

HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?

I always prefer email to start things off, with a general summary of project needs, budget, and some type of sign of friendliness. I am not frightened of the "!" ( but 2 MAX will do) or the ":)" I like cheerful people. :)